There has been an ongoing discussion for some time about whether granite counter tops contain Radon an invisible radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. The discussion got started when reporters on news show began showing Geiger counters going off near granite counter tops for dramatic effect. Here are excerpts from several articles that may help clarify the debate.
Here from and article on www.radon.com. Click here for full article
FACT – All natural products, especially stone, minerals, and sand, contain trace amounts of some radioactive elements called NORMs (Naturally Occurring Radioactive Mineral) that can produce measurable amounts of radiation and sometimes radon gas. This includes all concrete products, clay bricks, most non-plastic plates and dishes, coal and the flyash produced in coal-fired power plants, natural gas (contains radon), phosphate fertilizers used in your garden (ALL contain potassium and small amounts of uranium and thorium), and the vegetables grown using those fertilizers. The Border Patrol often catches truck loads of marijuana because it is loaded with radiation producing potassium), all glass made using silica (even eye glasses, wine glasses, mirrors, windows, etc.), and granite too. There are thousands of items we could list.
And here are quotes from and article on This Old House. Click here for full article.
“Some granite countertops have been found to give off trace amounts of radon, and reporters cited a few kitchens with radon levels as high as 25 times the EPA’s safety limit of 4 picocuries per liter of air. Granite is mined from the earth, where radium and naturally occurring radioactive materials are not uncommon.”
“…Bill Brodhead, president of WPB Enterprises, a Pennsylvania radon mitigation company, says, “Very few granite countertops pose a real threat.” And the EPA, after reviewing test data submitted by manufacturers, issued a statement saying there isn’t enough evidence to suggest granite countertops are a source of radon.”
“Bottom Line: Radon-related lung cancer claims the lives of some 20,000 people each year, so it’s not to be taken lightly. If you’re worried, pick up a home testing kit for about $25. If you see levels at or above the EPA’s limit, call in a specialist.”
The Practical Bottom line is there is a small chance that there is Radon coming from your granite countertop. If you are worried get it tested but do it correctly or you may get a incorrectly high reading.